To think MIL is irresponsible pet owner and moreover just plain cruel

[Lowfat]

In all the time I have known my MIL (some 15 years) she has been devoted to her cats. Misses them on hols annoys FIL by wanting to get home to them etc.

IL's dont live in a nice area and are moving soon to a nice new, fab decorated and spic and span house to retire. And we are delighted for them because we feel better with them out of the current area, and going somewhere they can enjoy retirement.

MIL has never been handy with a hoover and SIL and me hate taking DC's to her house as it smells they get bitten by fleas and covered in hairs (worse for crawling DC's) SO FIL is buying her all new mod cons for upkeep of new house, but has said she must get rid of all 3 of her cats. As he is not putting up with mess and smell anymore.

Two of the cats are very robust creatures and will probably do well - if not better in a new home.

However the oldest is nearly 15 years old, and is starting to fade, she doesnt wash anymore and spends all her time on MIL lap or hiding, she has never gone further than the garden - and she has always been nervous since coming from a rescue centre as a kitten, MIL is only person she goes to.

I am disgusted with the way MIL is just going to abandon her to the Battersea Cats Home, given that she wont be around much longer, and I think MIL should stand up to FIL over this cat because it's just not fair to abandon her when she needs her most for comfort and love and reassurance.

AIBU

YANBU, can't believe MIL has been so attached to her cats and then decides to get rid of them, especially the elderly one. Cow.

i can see both sides tbh if the cats arent cared for properly then as much as she says she loves them -she clearly doesnt cos pets like children need looking after i see your fils point about wanting to get rid as the smell and mess is bothering him ,but i dont know what is a happy medium -although if i were you id let them get on with it or else they may well ask you to have said cat....

I would have the older one but for the fact she would be no better off. We have 2 small children and 2 cats of our own - with large characters. No to mention several cats in neighbourhood who are all think they own the place! So poor thing would be terrified (sp)

The other 2 are still quite young and can go as a pair to a new home.

I just cant believe how she is abandoning her oldest one. have thought about saying in front of both IL's about cant you keep just her she's probably not even got a year left in her etc. But they are so excited about a new home and all new furniture etc that it would cause arguements that I dont want to cause.

Ahem - FIL is also a heartless git.

MIL is lazy and to give away a cat at that time of life is also pretty cruel imo.

YANBU